After bowing out of the Capital One Cup at the hands of Stoke, the Blues slumped to a 3-1 loss against Jurgen Klopp's steadily improving Liverpool in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Elsewhere, Arsenal kept the pressure on Manchester City with a slightly flattering 3-0 win at the Liberty Stadium, while the league leaders left it late to secure all three points against Norwich City.

Newcastle failed to find a way past the impressive Jack Butland as they were held to a goal-less draw with Stoke, while Everton put six past fellow north-easterners Sunderland on Sunday.

9) Arouna Kone IS a menace

By David Maddock

Everton's defensive instability makes Arouna Kone's spectacular form rather welcome. He was outstanding here, vibrant in his running and intelligent in his movement, while his finishing was first class, and he thoroughly deserved his standing ovation for a magnificent hat trick.

Kone has had his troubles, but free from injury he has finally shown the athletic qualities which make him such a dangerous opponent - particularly in tandem with Romelu Lukaku.

10) Bournemouth need some quality in January - desperately

The Cherries have been desperately unlucky to be fair with injuries to Callum Wilson and two of their summer signings, Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel.

It has taken so much of the goal threat out of their side and the momentum out of the team. They had already pledged to plunge back into the market long before this latest defeat. The club just have to hope they are have not left themselves too much to do by the time the window reopens.